so does carol mcgaflin, a retiree and private citizen who has attended almost every deployment of the army's 3rd infantry division since 2007. >> i wanted to really be involved in the war effort. i mean, i wanted to contribute in some concrete way. >> carol's contribution, pairing service members deploying to war zones with what she calls adopted families or sponsors. >> they just want contact with ordinary civilian life. that's what we try to provide. >> reporter: since starting the adopt-a-soldier program nearly six years ago, carol estimates the number of service members who have been adopted has surpassed 15,000. >> i thought it would be a good program for new soldiers like myself that would love to receive mail over in afghanistan. >> it's always good to feel appreciated, you know, and see the people that are supporting us, that believe in us. >> reporter: cards, care packages and letters are sent by families to soldiers eager for reminders of home. >> "thank you for your service. you have given the ultimate sacrifice." >> reporter: whether a care package from the states or a sim